Lehigh Valley continued their consistent play over the last several weeks, going 4-3 this week and are now 18-37,  16.5 games back in the Northern Division of the IL. Looking at hitting leaders, Mike Cervenek is 6th in AB’s (195), 5th in runs (34), 2nd in hits (63), 9th in RBI’s (35), and 4th in average (.323).  Andy Tracy is 9th in homers (9) and 2nd in walks (30). Pitching leaders include Brian Mazone is 2nd in wins(6), first in innings (72.2), and 6th in WHIP (1.10). JA Happ is 7th in innings (64.1) and leading the league with 70 strikeouts. Matt Childers is now 5th in the league with 8 saves and ‘Pigs pitchers continue to struggle in the homers allowed department.  Ron Chiavacci is 6th (9), Brian Mazone is 7th (9), and former ‘Pig JD Durbin is 9th(8).

The struggles on Ron CHiavacci (1-6) continued on Friday evening as he was pummeled by the long ball over his six innings of work against Charlotte. Chiavacci gave up 3 homers leading to 4 runs over 6 innings and the ‘Pigs were losing 4-0 when he exited.  Lehigh Valley attemped a comeback spaked by Mike Cervenek (2-3, homer, double) but fell short 5-2.  Former Major Leaguer Tomo Ohka started for the Knights and went 5.2 strong innings giving up only a run before yielding to the bullpen.

Jon Knott delivered his 3rd game winning hit (RBI single) since joining the ‘Pigs in a 6-5, 10 inning come from behind victory for Lehigh Valley Saturday evening. Travis Blackley started for Lehigh Valley and was largely ineffective (and also on a 70 pitch count) as he went 3.1 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits.  He walked 2 and didnt strike out a batter.  As has become recent custom, Steve Green game in and shut the door for the ‘Pigs as he didnt yield a run over the next 3.2 innings allowing the team to mount a comeback.  Matt Childers (1-2) pitched 2 scoreless innings for the win.  John Suomi, relacing the injured Jason jaramillo had a key 2 run homer that began the comeback.  Other notables offensively were Brandon Watson (2-5), Jon Knott (2-4, run, RBI), and Mike Rouse (2-3, 2 runs, sb).

The recent late inning success of Lehigh Valley could not be duplicated on Sunday evening as Charlotte took a 3-2 victory in 10 innings, spliting the 4 game series at Coca Cola Park.  Les Walrond started and pitched very well, yielding only 2 runs on 5 hits over his 6 innings of work.  He walked 2 and struck out 2.  Steve Kline (0-2) took the loss as he gave up a solo homer to Josh Fields in the 10th. A 2 run single by the red hot Mike Cervenek tied the game in the 6th but the ‘Pigs couldnt put the finishing touches on another come from behind win.  Brandon Watson was 3-4 with a run scored and Brennan King added 2 hits for Lehigh Valley.

Opening a series against Indianapolis, JA Happ (2-4) started and pitched extremely well on Memorial Day going 7 strong innings yielding only a lone run on 6 hits.  He walked 4 and struck out 4.  Behind both an RBI single and a solo homer (9) by Andy Tracy, the ‘Pigs were able to establish an early lead and hold on as Matt Childers picked up his 7th save of the year.  Mike Cervenek added 3 hits for Lehigh Valley, and Jason Jaramillo, who was back in action after missing 2 games with an injury was 2-4 with 2 runs.

Brian Mazone (6-3) continued his march to the IL All Star game with another impressive performance Tuesday evening against Indianapolis.  Mazone went 7 strong innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits.  He didn’t walk a batter and struck out 4 in the 7-3 ‘Pigs win.  The bottom of the Lehigh Valley lineup was the story of the night for Lehigh Valley as Jason Jaramillo was 3-4 with 2 runs and 2 doubles, Brennan King was 3-4 with 2 runs and an RBI, and Mike ROuse was 2-3 with a run and an RBI.  Mazone threw 71 of his 97 pitches for strikes continuing his outstanding control.

One would think that the most recent outing may land Ron Chiavacci (1-7) in the bullpen as he was crushed yet again, this time by Indianapolis, as he gave up 6 runs on 10 hits over 5 innings, on the way to a 6-5 ‘Pigs loss Wednesday evening.  Chiavacci spotted Indianapolis the early lead, from which, although Lehigh Valley valiantly tried, they were unable to recover.  Offensively, Brandon Watson was 2-5 with a stolen base and Mike ROuse was 2-4 with a run scored, a double, and 2 RBI’s.  RJ Swindle continued his excellence with another 2 shoutout innings.

The ‘Pigs closed out their series against Indianapolis Thursday afternoon with an 8-5 victory, taking 3 out of 4 in the series.  Travis Blackley started and was fair at best going 5 innings and giving up 3 runs on 6 hits.  He walked 2 and struck out 6.  Javon Moran had a huge game, going 4-5 with a double, homer(1), and 3 runs scored.  Rich Thompson was 2-4 with a run and 4 rbi’s. Both John Suomi and Mike Cervenak added 2 hits for Lehigh Valley. John Ennis (2-2) picked up the win in relief and Matt Childers earned his 8th save.

Transactions: The oblique injury of Jason Werth led to the callup of outfielder TJ Bohn for the second time this year.  Bohn, 28, has had a horrible year for Lehigh Valley hitting just .162 and striking out in 30% of his at bats. He has 2 homers and 4 RBI’s, to go along with 3 stolen bases. He is hitting just .133 with RISP.  Dont count on him getting a start in Philadelphia.  He should be used as a late inning defensive replacement and/or pinch runner.  He does have good speed and his defense is above average.

To replace Bohn, the ‘Pigs on Monday recalled OF Javon Moran from Reading for his second stint with the Lehigh Valley. Moran, 25, hit .211 in 19 at bats with the ‘Pigs earlier this season when Bohn was recalled.  Moran has been a catalyst for the Reading offense hitting .291 with 12 stolen bases and playing a strong left field for them. While has has no power his speed should provide a bit of a spark to the ‘Pigs.

Pork: Jason Jaramillo was injured last Friday after fouling consecutive pitches off his ankle/instep.  John Suomi replaced Jaramillo during the 4th inning of the game last Friday. Jaramillo did not play Saturday or Sunday as he nursed the injury.

40 man Roster Report:  Oscar Robles has been consistent, now hitting .268 in his 71 at bats with the ‘Pigs.  He has 0 homers, 7 RBI’s and a .369 obp. He has also solidified the middle of the Lehigh Valley infield.  JA Happ continues to pitch well and is at 2-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 64.1 innings.  He has walked 30, struck out a league leading 70 and opponents are hitting only .233 against him. Even better, opponents hit only .209 with runners in scoring position while he is on the mound.  Jason Jaramillo has clearly taken it up a notch post injury and is now hitting .229 with 3 HR and 11 RBI. His OBP is .294 and he is hitting .206 with RISP.  His defense has also improved as he has now thrown out 15 of 53 runners (28%).

–When will RJ Swindle get some recognition?  Here is his line with Lehigh Valley: 11.1 IP  (8 games), 5 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 16 K.  0.79 ERA. Opponents hitting .135, WHIP 0.53.  What more does this guy need to do??

–All 3 games against Charlotte last weekend were sellouts.

–Still no quality start from a right handed starter in the last 6 weeks.  In that time period RH starters have gone 1-10 with an 8.22 ERA (61.1 innings, 56 ER).

—Steve Green has not allowed an earned run in his last 12.1 innings(5 games).

—Mike Cervenek has a 13 game hitting streak.

–The pinch hit by OF Javon Moran on Monday was the first pinch hit by a Lehigh Valley player since May 1.

–The ‘Pigs played the entire weekend last weekend with only one bench player as they did not immediately replace the recalled TJ Bohn and Jason Jaramillo was out with an injury.

—Jason Jaramillo has heated up both offensively and defensively after his return from injury.

–3B Brennan King has now gone 34 games without an error.

—Andy Tracy has reached base in 32 of the last 37 games and has not committed an error this year.

—Javon Moran had the first inside the park homer in team history on Thursday.